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Full Idea
Neither laws nor causation nor claims of supervenience (the last refuge of the physicalist) deprive psychology of the ontological authority of non-mental science.
Gist of Idea
No defences of physicalism can deprive psychology of the ontological authority of other sciences
Source
DH Mellor / T Crane (There is no question of physicalism [1990], p.203)
Book Ref
'Mind vol.XCIX 1990', ed/tr. Blackburn,Simon [OUP 1990], p.203
A Reaction
There is no need to defend the practice of psychologists (or garden designers) from the depradations of bandit physicalists. But what is the ontology of psychology if it isn't dualist or physicalist?
| 7855 | Some suggest that materialism is empty, because 'physical' cannot be properly characterized [Mellor/Crane, by Papineau] |
| 6120 | Causation depends on intrinsic properties [Mellor/Crane] |
| 6121 | There are many psychophysicals laws - about the effects of sweets, colours and soft cushions [Mellor/Crane] |
| 6122 | No defences of physicalism can deprive psychology of the ontological authority of other sciences [Mellor/Crane] |